Tamsulosin
Tamsulosin is an alpha blocker used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), where an enlarged prostate makes passing urine difficult or painful and can increase how often and how urgently you need to go. It relaxes the smooth muscle around the prostate and bladder neck, lowering the resistance that urine meets on its way out. Relief usually builds over the first one to two weeks of treatment.
Medicines containing Tamsulosin
Jalyn
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
0.4/0.5mg
Jalyn combines dutasteride and tamsulosin in a capsule for benign prostatic hyperplasia. One ingredient shrinks the prostate and the other relaxes its muscle; You can choose from one strength and several pack sizes. Each option lists its price per capsule.
Key points
- Tamsulosin selectively blocks alpha-1 adrenergic receptors in the prostate and urethra, which relaxes the muscle there and improves the urine flow rate.
- One dose keeps working for around 24 hours, and the benefit generally becomes noticeable within one to two weeks.
- It is not for children or adolescents; tell your doctor if cataract surgery is planned, and take each dose after food.
What tamsulosin is used for
The main use is benign prostatic hyperplasia. Men with this condition often describe trouble starting the stream, a weak flow, or a frequent and urgent need to urinate. Tamsulosin eases those urinary symptoms. It does not treat the enlargement of the prostate itself, so it is used to make emptying the bladder easier rather than to shrink the gland.
How it works
Alpha-1 adrenergic receptors are found in the smooth muscle of the prostate gland and the bladder neck. Tamsulosin blocks them, so that muscle relaxes instead of holding the urethra tight. With the obstruction reduced, urine leaves the bladder more freely. The action is aimed at these receptors, which is why the effect is centred on the urinary tract.
Forms and brands
Tamsulosin is made as a modified-release hard capsule. The products listed here are tablets. Flomax comes as 0.2 mg and 0.4 mg tablets containing tamsulosin alone. Jalyn is a 0.4/0.5 mg tablet that pairs tamsulosin with dutasteride. Both are listed for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Orders reach Malaysia from pharmacy partners in India in discreet packaging.
Safety
Tamsulosin is not suitable for anyone with a hypersensitivity to it, a history of orthostatic hypotension, or severe hepatic impairment. It is not indicated for women; anyone breastfeeding should confirm suitability with a qualified clinician or pharmacist first. It is not for children or adolescents.
Standing up quickly may bring on dizziness, so rise slowly, and be alert to this when treatment starts. Tell your doctor about any planned cataract surgery. Taking the medicine after food is advised.
Dizziness and abnormal ejaculation are the common minor effects. Headache, asthenia and palpitations are also reported. Syncope and angioedema are serious and need immediate medical attention. Other alpha-blockers and antihypertensives can interact with tamsulosin, so disclose everything you take.
What the sources say
- Tamsulosin treats benign prostatic hyperplasia, an enlarged prostate that can cause difficult or painful urination or more frequent and urgent urination, and it belongs to the alpha blocker class (MedlinePlus).
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, a spinning sensation and fainting may occur, especially when getting up too quickly from lying down, and are more likely at the start of treatment or after a dose increase (MedlinePlus).
- Seek medical help immediately for a painful erection lasting for hours, for rash, itching, hives, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, or for swelling of the eyes, face, tongue, lips, throat, arms, hands, feet, ankles or lower legs (MedlinePlus).
Further reading
FAQ
What does tamsulosin treat?
Tamsulosin is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, where an enlarged prostate makes passing urine difficult or painful and can increase how often and how urgently you need to go. It eases urinary symptoms such as trouble starting the stream, a weak flow, or a frequent and urgent need to urinate.
How does tamsulosin work?
Tamsulosin selectively blocks alpha-1 adrenergic receptors in the prostate and urethra, relaxing smooth muscle in the prostate gland and bladder neck. This reduces obstruction and improves urine flow rate.
Which products here contain tamsulosin?
You'll find tamsulosin in Flomax and Jalyn, among others. The listing above lets you compare forms, strengths and packs.
How long does tamsulosin take to work?
Relief usually builds over the first one to two weeks of treatment, and the benefit generally becomes noticeable within one to two weeks. One dose keeps working for around 24 hours.
What are the side effects of tamsulosin?
Dizziness and abnormal ejaculation are the common minor effects, and headache, asthenia and palpitations are also reported. Syncope and angioedema are serious and need immediate medical attention. Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned about side effects.
Can tamsulosin be taken with other medicines?
Other alpha-blockers and antihypertensives can interact with tamsulosin, so disclose everything you take. Ask a doctor or pharmacist to check your medicines.
Who should not take tamsulosin?
Tamsulosin is not suitable for anyone with a hypersensitivity to it, a history of orthostatic hypotension, or severe hepatic impairment. It is not indicated for women, and it is not for children or adolescents.
Is tamsulosin sold under other names?
Apart from what's listed here, you may see tamsulosin sold as Flomax Relief, Urimax and Combodart. Brand names change from country to country, so the active ingredient is the safest thing to compare.
Can I order tamsulosin online in Malaysia?
Yes. Our pharmacy partners send orders from India to Malaysia in plain, discreet packaging. Express Tracked Courier takes up to 1 week; Standard Airmail can take up to 3 weeks.
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